Indicator device

An indicator device, comprising:

• a translucent prism having a pair of opposite sides each configured as a truncated sector, each truncated sector having a curvilinear edge and an opposite edge;
• a light receiving end including a diffusely transmissive side coextensive with the curvilinear edges;
• a light providing end including a light output side coextensive with the opposite edges, the generally light output side opposite the prism from the diffusely transmissive side;
• a first light source disposed proximate the diffusely transmissive side, the first light source adapted to selectively generate a first light, wherein at least some of the light from the first light source enters the prism at the light receiving end;
• and
• a second light source disposed proximate the diffusely transmissive side, the second light source adapted to selectively generate a second light, wherein at least some of the light from the second light source enters the prism at the light receiving end;
• wherein at least some of the light entering the prism at the light receiving end exits the prism at the light providing end.

An indicator device, suitable for use with an electronic device having first and second binary components, each binary component having two states, the indicator device comprising:

• a translucent prism having a pair of opposite sides each configured as a truncated sector, each truncated sector having a curvilinear edge and an opposite linear edge;
• a light receiving end including a diffusely transmissive side coextensive with the curvilinear edges, the diffusely transmissive side adapted to diffuse light entering the prism;
• a light providing end including a generally planar side coextensive with the linear edges, the generally planar side opposite the prism from the diffusely transmissive side;
• a first light source disposed proximate the diffusely transmissive side, the first light source adapted to be coupled to the first component and to generate a light when the first component is in one of the binary states, and to not generate a light when the first component is in the other of the binary states;
• wherein at least some of the light from the first light source enters the prism at the light receiving end;
• and
• a second light source disposed proximate the diffusely transmissive side, the second light source adapted to be operably coupled to the second component and to generate a light when the second component is in one of the binary states, and to not generate a light when the second component is in the other of the binary states;
• wherein at least some of the light from the second light source enters the prism at the light receiving end;
• and
• wherein at least some of the light entering the prism at the light receiving end exits the prism at the light providing end.

An indicator device for an electronic device, wherein the electronic device includes a plurality of components, each component capable of a pair of binary states, the electronic device comprising:

• means for generating a selected binary state for each of the plurality of components;
• a plurality of light sources generating a light scheme corresponding to the selected binary states of the plurality of components;
• and
• means for receiving the light scheme and providing a single output with an output light source, the single output corresponding with the light scheme.

A method of indicating functions of an electronic device, wherein the electronic device includes a plurality of components, each component capable of a pair of binary states, the method comprising:

• selecting a binary state for each of the plurality of components;
• using a plurality of light sources to generate a light scheme corresponding to the selected binary states of the plurality of components;
• and
• providing a single output with an output light source, the single output corresponding with the light scheme.